FINALLY a Cheaper Alternative to the 1UP Double Bike Rack

[@phillipsublette2094]

Don’t take this wrong, but I have 3 1up racks. 1 2” double, 1 1 1/4” double and I even splurged and got the 2”, wide cargo rack that I can add 2 bike attachments to. I was tired of crappy racks. I saved up, and bought the best racks out there. All are over 4 years old (4,5,6 respectively) and I’ll probably never buy another rack. 1up, best rack I’ve ever had, hopefully last rack I’ll ever have.

[@MTBMOR]

Hopefully I won't catch you. I bought the single with an add-on, then another add-on with wheel locks and hitch lock. I'm currently looking at the double with a ramp so I can carry 4 bikes.

[@robquartermaine1946]

Lucky dude they won’t ship to Uk man. Can’t find a decent one over here

[@lawrencekennedy1123]

Bought my OneUp in 2011 with second rack attachment. Still works great. Lifetime warranty. . I had a slight issue with an arm not locking securely. The Company responded immediately to my email with a solution.

[@TheRCNetwork]

1up USA is a stellar company making great products at relatively a good price. You paid a few bucks less and got a lesser product, not to mention support and replacement parts. Good luck

[@daboo2]

I saved up and bought a QuikrStuff rack, and I’m so glad I did. Its super high quality. It also installs and comes off in ~1 minute with no tools. Plus it folds up into a very small form factor for storage. I keep it in the truck of the car.

[@85bigGMC]

I have a QuikrStuff rack as well and love it.

[@MotoAtheist]

Yep same guy who originally invented the 1up, something happened so he left and started QuickrStuff. Sadly their pricing went insane at QS. 1up is still reasonable.

[@JesseFryeNC]

@@85bigGMC looks like they have great racks, however, they have extremely slow supply chain issues right now, its about an 8 week delivery upon order.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

I got one of these and works great. Only downfall is the chrome bolts tend to rust. I also have a Saris and Rhode gear and my brother has the Quikrstuff (sp?) and he was pretty impressed as well. Oh. Actually the other complaint is the reflector decal fades fairly quickly. Also, for less play. Make sure all nuts and bolts are tight. Also, it looks like you got the XL (fat tire version?). I have the normal one and seems to have less play side to side, maybe it is because the wheel arms are more narrow? My 2.8 tires still work fine.

[@MichaelRobertson-rp3wj]

My first thought was Lock-Tite those bolts, specially since there is only one holding the ends on the center section.

[@BenZCardiff]

Note to anyone with a two tray hitch rack like this. Putting a bike closer to the tailpipe could melt your carbon wheels if directly in the path of the exhaust.

[@sophiethewestie]

Thanks for making this detailed review. It's good to know there's a less expensive alternative. I'm a 1Up Heavy Duty owner and I love it. I also think a little competition is good to keep 1Up on their toes and keep making good products and improvements as complacency is the death of many once-great companies.

[@JoshuaMarcAragon]

Doesn't look too bad, but my 1upUSA does not have that level of play at all. The flex in levers when tightening everything down is way more than what I have on my rack. The material quality is much nicer and I guess that is where the cost comes in.

[@MotoAtheist]

You definitely want some flex so your bike isn't being stressed and it seems about the same overall to me.

[@whitest_kyle]

I have a 1Up single on my 335d with a 1.25" hitch I got from Uhaul. Biggest issue I have is actually ground clearance with the terrible gravel park roads around here lol. It does wobble when the bike is secured which I don't like, and I do really wish there was an option to lock it in the receiver with a pin. The expanding ball locking mechanism needs to be re-tightened pretty frequently and the only safety straps they provide are literally just velcro straps. The lock they provided hangs down and broke off on a steep driveway because my car is lowered.

[@MotoAtheist]

Are you saying there isn't a hole for a hitch pin? Mine has one. The wobble should go away once you tighten the screw well enough. Your receiver hitch may be out of spec also, so you can find something thin enough to wedge in at the front before tightening down, that may help.

[@sharp282828]

My bike doesn't wobble like that in my kuat bike rack

[@stevenlilly6071]

It looks like a solid poduct. It looks like they may have even improved on the 1up tilt handle. That said I think you will regret your purchase down the road. Not only is the 1up built like a tank but you can buy replacement parts. The teeth on arms will eventually wear down. Cheap China nocks offs aren't going to give you support after the purchase. The 1up isn't cheap but its the last bike rack you will neeed to buy and if you decide to sell one people line up to give you 75% of new. You saved a couple hundred today but I don't think this was smart money long term.

[@JamalsGarage]

You make some very valid points, I must admit. I got a chance to take the bike out on it last week, and it performed flawlessly. I guess only time will tell 🤷‍♂️

[@MotoAtheist]

Valid concerns, but also depends on your riding habits. A weekend warrior in a 7 month season won't be wearing any rack out any time soon, will likely never need a repair in their lifetime, compared to somebody who rides many times a week every week.

[@mattbinks4417]

Man, you guys are lucky! On Amazon Canada those are going for $1600 CAD (about $1200 USD).

[@TheHawkeyeGuru]

Um the Kuat Piston Pro X is the best on the market and does this design in a much nicer and durable way. What I use for my e-bike.

[@MotoAtheist]

Kuat has lost their minds price wise, no way.

[@mickeyjetpur7998]

Can’t decide between 1Up and Quikr. Any suggestions.

[@itr0863]

get the 1up. i had this rino rack and after 4 weeks, the instability of it was enough for me. i went to north carolina and on some basic gravel roads, it felt like it was going to fall off and that was using that "anti wobble" attachment which does nothing compared to the 1up stability feature. pls just save up a little more and buy the 1up. i bought the 1up right after the rino. i gave my rino to my dad who uses it only for beach cruisers which is fine, but i feel for mtb, get the 1up.

[@seanhornchek6440]

Been using my 1up for 7 years now carrying my enduro bikes every other day. Never remove my rack from my vehicle either. Still chugging, quality comes at a price and I would rather support an American made product

[@BenZCardiff]

"I'm frugal..." Wanna see my three cars?! 😅

[@JamalsGarage]

😅😅😅

[@jeigenseher]

Nice!!

[@Sethauser]

A comparison of specs (weight) to the one up, since you mentioned it so much, would have been helpful to hear.

[@thomashinson5684]

The modularity of 1Up easily makes up for the extra cost. Being able to easily order single bits and add-ons is so valuable.

[@BenZCardiff]

Completely agree. I replaced one broken part after 3 years that cost $30. Now I'll get another few years or more out of it.

[@XCRiders]

I’ll keep my 1up 🇺🇸

[@flyingjoed]

The hitch pin locks but zero lockability to the bike, itself? I like the rack but i would definitely be adding a locking cable. How do you like the rack now that you've had it a while?

[@JamalsGarage]

I've been using it almost every weekend now that the weather is cooling down. I love it. No major complaints at all

[@pearldiver7]

Good video, but if you;re taking your rack on and off very often, it seems like the tools-free install of the QuikR Mach2 rack might make the added cost worth the money. All depends on your priority I guess. In any case, thanks for posting the interesting review.

[@MotoAtheist]

QuickR is insane with their prices, 1up is still more reasonable. They may be the original inventors, but come on $700 vs $390 for the base rack, I don't think so.

[@pearldiver7]

@@MotoAtheist Can't argue with you that the price is steep. Quality of QuikR is pretty good though.

[@MotoAtheist]

@@pearldiver7 Yeah, but quality has it's limit if you ask me. It's just a bike rack. The QuickR doesn't look much different from the original 1up design. I don't see $300 worth of more quality in the QuickR.

[@pearldiver7]

@@MotoAtheist You might be right. Sounds like you've looked at the two more closely the me. Enjoy your 1Up.

[@teckademic33]

would like to see a wobble test where you drive around and even go over some speed bumps to see how much play there is on the rack since that’s what did it for me on why I purchased a 1up

[@nige]

Looks like a decent bike rack. All of these racks are priced insanely. I got the 1up because I like having only one rack and adding when I’m with crew. That way my hitch can open on a daily, but this rack is an excellent value compared to 1up or Qukr racks.

[@BautistaII]

Can they hold 4 inches fat tires?

[@JamalsGarage]

No it will not, they used to have a fat tire version but I can't seem to find it anymore

[@TrailtoTrailTom]

What size tires on your bike?. Amazon reviews stating the rack doesn't fit 29ers.

[@JamalsGarage]

I have 29x2.4 on the bike

[@JamalsGarage]

I bought the rack from walmart.com and the extended rails for 29 inch wheels came pre-installed. The amazon listing says to message them after ordering for the extended rails

[@LarryRichelli]

I just moved to San Antonio and mountain bike trails are few and far between here

[@JamalsGarage]

I'm in DFW, and we have some good options. The drive to Austin/Burnet might be worth it for you. They have some great options like Spider, Station Mountain, etc

[@billadams8681]

😮

[@quanglu2359]

What is the weight of the rack? Thank you

[@JamalsGarage]

I haven't personally weighed it, but they advertise it at 70 pounds

[@jojotherider1977]

how do you fold in the trays so the rack is smaller for storage?

[@JamalsGarage]

There are pin on the bottom side of the trays that you can pull out and then the trays fold towards the hitch plate

[@bostonbeanman6173]

Is this really all aluminum? 70 pounds seems like a lot and more likely a mix of materials.

[@goodcyrus]

Great video! At $404, it is not a whole lot cheaper than the 1up at 650 currently.

[@DennisGolden-t9c]

Are these fifth wheel RV approved? Will this rack hold E bikes with fat tires?

[@JamalsGarage]

Yes it should, as long as the tires aren't wider than 3 inches. The same company makes a 4 inch wide version for $50 more

[@nokia6800]

It looks like a nice quality rack but the thing that would keep me from ever buying it is the lock / anti-rattle system. It's just too much of a hassle to put on and remove. I have an inno rack that cost about the same but has a built-in lock/anti-rattle system.

[@mc1339ful]

Great video, thanks for sharing. What part of Texas? I’m on south side of Houston.

[@JamalsGarage]

I'm in DFW

[@harmik98]

Can we also talk about the zo6 that is sitting on drag radials 😳

[@leslieyoung5234]

Thanks for the informative video. Nice to know of a less expensive option similar to 1Up. I think there are pluses and minuses compared to the 1Up in terms of design and materials regardless of price. As for stuff like the knockoff of innovation, country of origin etc., well those can be considerations left to the individual.

[@willienillie6337]

very nice. I don’t think one up has a ramp.

[@MotoAtheist]

They have one as an option.

[@axgvr]

Thank you nice video. some of the 1 and 2 star ratings in Amazon claim the rack is too short to hold 29' MTB bikes. Your bike looks like a 29er, is this a new version, perhaps?

[@JamalsGarage]

I purchased the rack from Walmart, and messaged the seller before purchasing. They notified me that the rack came pre-installed with the parts to fit 29 inch wheels. The amazon one says to message them after purchase for 29 inch wheels (top line of the amazon "about this item")

[@axgvr]

@@JamalsGarage Gotcha--thx

[@951media]

This video is very helpful. Thanks

[@pedalwithus]

Interesting, but wow that is a lot of movement and flex vs 1Up. Like others have said, we have 3 1 Up Racks and 4 flush mounts over the bed of the truck so we can tow our camper with ease. You can get a single 1 up for under 400. Customer service if needed from 1up is second to none.

[@SixGunTodd]

Not normally one to give anyone a hard time.....but you bought a $40-50k Gladiator and have a reasonably modified C5 (I'm a C6Z guy) in view and then go with a 1Up copy ?? Um.....

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

I'm sure he doesn't buy knock off stuff for the cars...mountain biking is probably just side hobby(less then weekend warrior).

[@ivayloivanov4791]

Seeing as he has a Canyon in the back, this guy is all about value. Nothing wrong with that, as a fellow Canyon owner (with a 1Up).

[@JamalsGarage]

I was just looking for slightly cheaper options. I'm a fairly new MTBer, and wasn't looking to break the bank. This rack had good reviews and seemed solid, so I took a chance on it. If it fails, I'll upload another video being fully transparent. I don't mind being the guinea pig for others to potentially save some $$$

[@JAM76ER]

Hey Jamal! I’m Jamel! Is the rack still holding up? Good video. I would like to get one. Thanks Brother.

[@JamalsGarage]

Hi Jamel! Yes, it's been great! The anti-wobble mechanism is annoying to take on and off especially when it's hot as heck outside, but other than that, no complaints. Took it on a 3 hour road trip, going 100+ mph at some points, and it was solid

[@kurtbarclay]

Hi! 1UP USA employee here. While it was kind of you to mention us as one of the best, I’m sad to see you buy a cheap knockoff. 1: I like my job and would love to keep it. But every time someone purchases a knockoff, my job is a little less secure. 2: like many others mentioned, the extra couple bucks you spend on a 1UP gets you way more features (like the anti-wobble mechanism) and gets you real people (who also like their jobs and would like to keep them) to help you with warranty, replacement parts, and general questions. I have a feeling you’re going to wish you had that after a few months of use with that rack you got there.

[@JamalsGarage]

Hi Kurt, I appreciate the comment, and it's actually insane how my little video has already spread to the point where an actual 1UP employee has commented. So here's what I will say, I mentioned 1UP as the best rack on the market multiple times throughout the video and even mentioned how certain features on this one are worse than the 1UP. For many people, the after sales support is a key decision making factor, and I acknowledge the validity of that. However, not everyone has the money to spend on the 1UP. And as for the first point you made, there's no difference in me buying this one vs similar ones from other companies (Thule Helium Platform XT, Kuat Piston Pro, Rockymounts GuideRail, or Saris MHS). I guess only time will tell, and I will be completely transparent if anything bad happens with the rack I bought.

[@kurtbarclay]

@@JamalsGarage There is a huge difference between buying garbage from Walmart/Amazon and buying from a reputable company. When you buy a rack from 1UP USA, @thule, @TheKuatRacks, @YakimaRacksOfficial, @rockymounts1253, @SarisOfficial, etc, you’re investing in way more than a rack. Part of that profit goes back into R&D to improve and design more products. Part of that goes towards paying their employees a livable wage and providing safe working environments. And those brands at least took a concept and put their own spin on it - they didn’t just steal our design and remake it with inferior material, engineering, and quality control…they even stole the marketing copy that I wrote (and then they butchered it). But the one that affects you the most is how those trusted brands give back to the communities, trails, events, and culture - the very reason you are able to enjoy that bike. I guarantee not a single penny of the rack you bought is going towards any of the above.

 I get that not everyone can afford a 1UP and that’s OK. But that doesn’t mean you should buy a knock-off product. Buy a rack from a reputable company that you can afford. Or buy used - we’ll even provide support for previously owned racks! That goes for any product from an industry you hope will be around to enjoy in the future. So not only are you getting a better product that will safely transport your bike, but you’re also helping ensure the future of the sport you love.

[@kurtbarclay]

@@JamalsGarage There is a huge difference between buying garbage from Walmart/Amazon and buying from a reputable company. When you buy a rack from 1UP USA, Thule, Kuat, Yakima, Rockymounts, Saris, etc, you’re investing in way more than a rack. Part of that profit goes back into R&D to improve and design more products. Part of that goes towards paying their employees a livable wage and providing safe working environments. And those brands at least took a concept and put their own spin on it - they didn’t just steal our design and remake it with inferior material, engineering, and quality control…they even stole the marketing copy that I wrote (and then they butchered it). But the one that affects you the most is how those trusted brands give back to the communities, trails, events, and culture - the very reason you are able to enjoy that bike. I guarantee not a single penny of the rack you bought is going towards any of the above. I get that not everyone can afford a 1UP and that’s OK. But that doesn’t mean you should buy a knock-off product. Buy a rack from a reputable company that you can afford. Or buy used - we’ll even provide support for previously owned racks! That goes for any product from an industry you hope will be around to enjoy in the future. So not only are you getting a better product that will safely transport your bike, but you’re also helping ensure the future of the sport you love.

[@JamalsGarage]

⁠​⁠@@kurtbarclayI should have been more specific, you mentioned your job security. I meant there’s no difference where I buy from if I don’t buy from 1UP. Also, I looked for a used 1UP, but there weren’t any available in my area at the time. To say that you or anyone else has never bought a cheaper version of something is unrealistic, (and you should see the working conditions of the people who manufacture parts for the device you are commenting from). There’s no way I’m going to get the marketing director of 1UP to change his mind, so there’s really no point in going back and forth. And you’re right, I doubt any of the money that “rhino bilt” is making off the rack is going back to Mtb communities/trails, but they are making the sport more accessible for more people by offering lower prices, at the very least.

[@sophiethewestie]

I just got a 1Up Heavy Duty double. It's rock solid! Yes, it's more expensive, but the couple hundred dollars in savings to me is not worth considering I'm carrying a couple thousand dollars worth of mountain bikes and the safety of other motorists.

[@DroppingIn]

Than you for the video. I'm dedicatedly going to look into this rack. I had the 1uo and it got stolen along with my truck. Recovered the truck but not the rack. 1up does not do any replacement stuff anymore for stolen racks is what they told me when i reached out. That being said.. . This thing is like great for the price.

[@andrewpm2]

Most hitch mount bike racks are just fine. I'd rather put the $250 savings into the bike like a fork, wheelset or drivetrain. A generic One-Up rack for half price can't be beat.

[@lisecurtis1761]

QuikrStuff may be more expensive, but no assembly required!

[@BiggerDummy]

I went with the Quikrstuff Mach2 over 1UpUSA as I liked the tool-less installation, folding trays, modularity and ability to handle heavier bikes like my eMTB and DH MTB. I also wanted a USA made and supported rack. There is some backstory on how Quikrstuff came to be after the designers of the 1Up rack departed the company and started Quikrstuff. One word of caution...I installed my rack using a Kuat Pivot V1 swing out adaptor. Quikrstuff advises against using hitch extenders or swing outs as it impacts the load rating and will void your warranty if anything breaks. Love my Quikrstuff Mach2 racks. Bout a base and two extender trays plus the locks. Looked at the new Kuat Piston Pro. Had the NV1 and broken tons of parts on it. Great support and warranty but didn't want another Chinese made rack

[@datafrag]

Do you know what the max wheelbase the rack supports? I ride an XL Marin and it's way too big for my old Kuat rack. My back tire hangs off.

[@JamalsGarage]

That's a good question...I couldn't tell you off the top of my head. My bike has a wheelbase of 1230 mm, if that helps.

[@datafrag]

@@JamalsGarage Mine is at 1297mm. I just can't find any specs or even a manual for that rack online. I'd like to see if my bike is even compatible before I put down the cash!

[@JamalsGarage]

I just checked the manual and there isn’t any wheelbase compatibility mentioned. Are there any measurements that I can make on it that would help you? If so, just let me know and I’d be happy to measure and report back

[@datafrag]

@@JamalsGarage would you mind measuring the rails that the wheels sit on? I appreciate it!

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

I’m sure there will be a ton of comments regarding the country of origin. Before you do that, go take a look at where your Sworks was built

[@i2ambler2002]

The issue is the theft of intellectual property by Chinese knock off brands, not just where it's made. American designers work hard to create a product, which then gets stolen by a Chinese manufacturer, which cuts the original designers out. Even with patents, good luck suing.

[@Topplayer2g]

Big ups to jamalllll

[@solidstream13]

A cheaper alternative to a 1up, a Jeep Gladiator 😂. JK. Nice video.

[@kansassartin1992]

What is your time, experience, mental ease worth? At this stage of my life I've learned that if something is not intuitive and easy to use every time, the newness and excitement wears off after about 8 uses and then I get over-annoyed with the pain points of the product and wish I had saved for the premium unit. Buy once, cry once. Just my perspective.

[@danielpatino81]

Buying this kind of a racks is like going to buy a knockoff purse for your wife in the LA alleys!!! 😂 everybody knows if fake but everyone lie too you telling you how nice it is!!! 😂😂😂

[@garygomulinski9797]

Quikrstuff racks are even a step above 1up. The guy who started Quikrstuff designed the 1 up rack and says he improved on that older design…

[@axgvr]

last I checked, they had a waitlist

[@skips2396]

Yes- 6 week delivery. +$400 more than 1UP Equip D, both with dual rack configuration. Love the product but can’t accept the QuikR cost. 😢

[@garygomulinski9797]

@@skips2396 heck the 1up is already expensive… Rockymounts makes a similar rack, if price is important.

[@marvinkamei7007]

real time video!!

[@hanf022]

I think if you buy a Thule bike transporter, you will have way more satisfaction with it. Last also for ever and you have absolutely no srews to play with. Its a investment for live. This system looks way to flimsy and there is also no clamp in the middle to secure with a lock.

[@CJGrand1]

Don't leave the dropper in the down position. That rack is not bad, but not as good as the 1up.

[@TheLeesto]

Nice! 1UP is so overrated anyway. the aluminum shanks shear, hence why no RV compatability with even their most "heavy duty" racks. Kuat still uses steel which are RV rated. If you're just buying aluminum anyway Rhino Bilt looks like a good option.

[@Astroboytoy]

There is still Kuat as an option....

[@stewart4711]

50 pulls in behind

[@A_G420]

A rack for a vehicle with a bed....

[@alfredosanchez998]

Frequently returned item….oof

[@stewart4711]

Not for me blocks your plate lights. Get pulled over stopped

[@ChefIan73]

So options are support an American company making products in America or save some bucks buying the knockoff and support the continued degradation of the American middle class. 🙄🤦🏼‍♂️

[@bigperm005]

While the upper class is laughing at us all fighting each other 🤦‍♂️

[@Linearleverage71]

And you’re probably riding a big name carbon bike which was made in China because they all are!

[@ChefIan73]

@@Linearleverage71 actually very few of the quality bikes are actually made in China. In fact none that I’m aware of. Plenty in Asia sure. But not China 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@ChefIan73]

@@Linearleverage71 also the money from those bikes still goes to US based companies and their employees.

[@kurtbarclay]

@@ChefIan73 and towards supporting trail building, races, events, etc that give us places and reasons to enjoy our bikes.

[@adam1885282]

So Chinese ripoff? no thanks, please support innovation

[@Svid1701D]

Buys a truck to transport bikes, then buys a bike rack. 🤦‍♂️

[@michaelblaker2334]

You said "kinda" about 213 times in the video

[@benwigginsbikes]

An ebike ramp? If someone can’t lift their bike onto a rack they probably shouldn’t be riding it.

[@ronrieger]

Don't tell motorcycle riders this. 😜